The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-13
Joe Towards ReoolIections.

correspondence OF the indianapolis Journs'
NEW YORK March 12.-Did Beecher 90 to theaters?
remember when he first went to Irving Hall. bill
lard match was in progress somewhere in tho sixties
should judge about 1865. no 1862 or g. The room
was frnged on three sides with amphitheatricallyar
ranged seats the large central portion being reserved
for the tables the players the judges and members of
the press Mr. Beecher entered the room attended by
syoung friend about half past in the evening He
not then known universally in late years,
but he was toerably well known even to the class of
there congregated. and when fellow half in
firm and half in earnest proposed three cheers for
Henry Ward Beecher," they given with will.
The dominic took his seat the head of the re-
porters table and watched with unfeigned interest
the progress of particularly interesting and ex-
citing contest. About 10 o'clock he to go, and
again the audience saluted his rereatng form with
three tremendous, hearty, manly cheers which he
Acknowledged with bow and smile, ar not sug-
gestion of unpleasant incident occurred until as
be neared the door that vulgar brute ISAIAH Rynders
confronted him in the aisle with "Beecher what will
you have to drink"
Nothing sir, replied Beecher. with characteristic
dignity. and left the kall.
In those days going to the theater by cergymen
made much talk. and in speaking of an early lecture
delivered when he very young man in the West.
ier particular purpose against theaters and the
atica entertainments generally, Mr.. Beecher SAID:
I have no doubt would be instructed entertained,
edited by witnessing good play, but it would take
oexpan the why and the wherefore, SO say to my
self. is it worth while to gain much good, to
60 through SO much more worryi"
And he entirely right.
saw him once in Burton's Chambers-street Thea
ter. Burton famous farceur and he had a great
company with him. But it wasn't to see Burton nor
to see his famous company that Mr.. Beecher went to
MS theater 1t on the occasion OF an initial re-
vval meeting where he invited as one of the cer
gymen of the vicnage, and into the procedure or
which he entered with all the enthusiasm and spirit
then so eminenty characteristic of him, and which IN
spe OF all the glowing obituaries that are PRINTED mere
to-day must say largely toned down in the last
Ten years of his useful and exacting lie: Wnen
abroad he went several times to the theater lie went
TO see RIP Van Wrinkle" played by Joe Jefferson
and enjoyed it heartily. He was much sought by Hen
ny Irving and by Ellen Terry, and he reciprocateo
.aeir courteous civilty by attending ana enJoylne
their peculiar performances He wanted TO see Booth
Hamlet but whether ne went not can't say he
had accepted box for DAILY Theater ON "Wednesday
friends of forty years standing to go with him
de fell natural dffidence about gong into
any public audience, because he was instantly recoe
sized wherever he went and became target tor tne
Rlasses and gossip of the occasion rs he did suose
quently for the carping criticism OF the outsio
Did this indicate lack of stamina, lack of indie
pendencel
Not at all.
And if it did If there was any on the face o
Gods footstool who could afford to meet the charg
OF a lack of independence surely it was Henry VAR
eschsr the man who fifty years ,h ago sraPpedf o rt
years electrified the world and put himself i
the pillory of commercial and social contempt o
challenging the beast of slavery lifelong combat
III no. it wasn't that. 1t was precisely what he SAL
It was, a Discrimination to gain little good at TO
heavy costa cost which meant mental bother an
physical worriment of small dimensions.
Beecher had one great weakness.
he liked TO be liked
He fond of unfeigned affection.
- He as simple any child that ever knew
His tastes varied and peculiar but they were
pleased him TO be invited TO family gatherings.
gratifed him to see the children Of the old folks IN
parish grow up marry and bring their children 70 ~
baptsrnal font 1t grati6ed him to know that ne wa
looked upon 80 Father Beecher.
What a record of giving he had 80
The money he lay:shed the greater gifts of helpfu
ness and charitable judgment he bestowed where